Funding needed

The article outlines the recently released Department of Health assessment of the five experimental syringe access programs in New Jersey. The report declares the programs a resounding success in the fight against HIV and other blood-borne diseases and recommends that they be made permanent.

This positive evaluation builds on the commendable steps New Jersey has taken to expand access to sterile syringes in the past several years, in light of the overwhelming collection of evidence showing that such access reduces the spread of blood-borne pathogens, does not increase drug use and saves untold taxpayer dollars as a disease-prevention tool.

Unfortunately, the five programs in New Jersey have operated in the absence of state funding since their establishment in 2006 and have constantly struggled to keep their doors open. This is unacceptable. In June, the Senate approved a bill that would appropriate limited state money for this critical service. The Assembly must prioritize scheduling the companion bill and similarly vote in favor.

As a former heroin addict, I am fortunate that I was able to get clean without contracting HIV or hepatitis C and that I do not have to pay for my disease with a shortened lifespan and compromised health. The state should take every possible action to ensure that all New Jerseyans are gifted with this same opportunity.

ELIZABETH THOMPSON

Policy Associate, New Jersey

Drug Policy Alliance

Trenton

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Funding needed

Re: 'S.J. syringe exchange wins praise' (C-P, Oct. 8).The article outlines the recently released Department of Health assessment of the five experimental syringe access programs in New Jersey. The